Winners from last year’s Community Group category of the Pride of Cambridge Community Awards have urged people to nominate local groups for this year’s awards and explained the “huge difference” winning can make to people’s lives.

Last year’s Community Group category, sponsored by Cambridge City Council, was shared by three winners – Strongman Fitness Beginners Group, Jigsaw Pride and Burwell Drop-In Service –each were awarded a cheque for £500.

Clare Strongman, founder of Strongman Fitness Beginners Group, which aims to get complete novices from running 0k to 5k in eight weeks, said: “It was a huge surprise – none of us expected to be nominated and we were absolutely delighted to win.

“The main thing about winning, it wasn’t the money but getting a bit more visibility so that was really great.

“So for anyone thinking of nominating – it will make a big difference and will help get more people involved with these worthy groups.”

The award money enabled them to buy some new equipment, as well as pay for the training of some new running leaders.

Jigsaw Pride, a group which provides a constructive way for young people to spend their time through activities such as cheerleading and hip hop, was also selected as one of the Community Group category winners.

Steph Stevens, a Jigsaw Pride partner, said: “We were shocked to win because we are a very small company and we felt there would be bigger groups that would win.

“We used the money to pay for a couple of girls to carry on cheerleading this year who wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.”

Steph added: “It’s important to give recognition to other groups that might think they are not entitled to apply themselves and to give recognition for the work that they do.”

The third winner of the Community Group category was the Burwell Drop-In Service, which provides a space where people with dementia and other memory-related problems can feel welcome and seek advice.

Sue Evans, who is involved with the group, said: “It’s lovely to reward people and raise awareness, which you can do much more if it’s printed in the paper.

“It can therefore bring people recognition.

“We display our award certificate at every meeting and are very proud of it!”